Essex residents urged not to put pressure on emergency services this Bonfire Night

With events across the country cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic, ECFRS is expecting a busier night than usual as people celebrate Bonfire Night in their own gardens.

Their message this year is to show respect to fireworks, emergency services and your neighbours.

Head of Prevention, Will Newman, said: "While most people use fireworks responsibly, in the wrong hands they can cause serious injury. Remember that fireworks are explosives and should be treated with great respect and care. We don’t want you to remember November 5th for the wrong reasons and especially this year, we do not want to put extra pressure on the emergency services.

"Fireworks should be treated with respect and only used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the Firework Code."

The Firework Code is as follows:

• Ensure the firework display is safe.
• Only buy fireworks which carry the CE mark, keep them in a closed box and use one at a time.
• Follow instructions carefully and use a torch if needed.
• Light the firework at arm's length.
• Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
• Never return to a firework after it's been lit.
• Direct fireworks well away from spectators.
• Avoid building bonfires as they can spread out of control quickly.
• Always supervise children around fireworks.

Treating fireworks without care not only puts yourself and other spectators at risk, it will also put additional pressure on emergency services as they continue to deal with the pandemic.

Marcus Bailey, Chief Operating Officer at the East of England Ambulance Service, said: "Celebrating Halloween and Bonfire Night will look different for many people this year, however, our important messages remain: we would ask everyone to enjoy themselves safely, think of others, think hands, face and space in line with Government advice.

"It may not be possible to attend an organised fireworks event this year, so please be extra careful if you choose to have a firework display at home in line with COVID government guidance.

"Be mindful of the cold weather, it’s important to wrap up, especially for the very young or elderly.

"Please stay safe and help keep our staff free to look after those patients who need us most."

People are also urged to make sure their neighbours are aware of any planned firework displays, and avoid purchasing really noisy ones where possible.

• Bonfire night
• essex
• advice